Award winning photographer, Siegfried Matull, has graciously allowed me to share a spectacular photo he took on the bluffs of Sea Ranch. The photo was previously published in the Independent Coast Observer (the ICO). Siegfried's recently submitted it for the ICO's Destination Mendonoma photo contest for the front page. I wouldn't be surprised if he won - again!
On a neighbor's property is a beautiful mass of rare plants - Fringed Corn Lilies. They are growing alongside year round water, as Frank and Nan's land has springs close to the surface. These large, handsome leaves don't give a clue about the flower to come in the fall. By the time it does flower, the leaves are brown and torn. I will make a point to photograph the beautiful white flower stalks later this year. This plant is endemic to the Mendocino and Sonoma Coast and considered an ESHA - environmentally sensitive habitat.
Driving back up the Sonoma Coast yesterday, Rick and I stopped on a bluff so I could take these pictures. The photo of the coastline almost looks like a painting, doesn't it? We looked over the bluff and saw an inacessible beach below - lovely and serene.
I see that quite a few people from Japan are viewing this blog. I post these photos today in your honor as the world knows and cares what you have gone through recently. After all, you and I are only an ocean - the great Pacific Ocean - away.
Wildflowers burst into bloom this week on the Mendocino and Sonoma Coasts with just a few days of warm sunny weather. On a drive down Highway One a few days ago, Rick and I saw the first Lupine in bloom. Wild Iris - Douglas Iris - caught our eyes with their brilliant splashes of blue. Bright orange Poppies, California's state flower, have joined in the party. The wildflowers in the forest are a bit more subtle but worth your attention too. The beautiful False Solomon Seal has just bloomed and the forest floor is carpeted with the yellow-faced Redwood Violets.
The charming blue Forget-me-nots are blooming on the Mendocino and Sonoma Coasts in sunny spots. This wildflower has more than one legend attributed to it but the one I like is this one. A knight and his lady were walking alongside a river when he spotted these lovely flowers on the other side. He lept into the waters, made it to the other side and picked some flowers for his lady love. Alas, when he tried to return the waters swept him away. He just had time to toss the tiny blue flowers to his lady, calling out, "Forget me not!"
